Iceland Poplar reopens days after mice poo found inside

Environmental Health officers visited the branch on January 12 following complaints from a member of the public, Tower Hamlets Council said.

During their investigation of the store, they discovered packaging for crackers, biscuits and crisps had been chewed through by mice. 

Mice droppings were also discovered on food containers and the floor, a council spokesperson said, with the mice themselves seen by the officers.

The shop was closed the same day after a hygiene emergency prohibition notice was put in place with immediate effect. 

The Advertiser reported last Friday that "uncontrolled mouse activity" within the premises, which the council said posed "an imminent risk of injury to health", had seen the store closed.

Packaging was pictured having been eaten into when the officers visited following complaints (Image: Tower Hamlets Council)

The store has since been re-visited following a court appearance, the council said, leaving Environmental Health officers satisfied that "the store had dealt sufficiently with the issue". 

Cllr Kabir Hussain, cabinet member for environment and the climate emergency, said: “This is a great result for our team and shows how important it is that people report any concerns to us so we can take prompt and decisive action.

“Mice droppings and urine contain a number of substances that can be harmful to humans so it is essential that businesses ensure they deal sufficiently with any mouse problems.

Mice droppings were also found on the site (Image: Tower Hamlets Council)

“It is pleasing to see that the store has been able to deal with the problem so it could re-open.”

The East London Advertiser previously contacted Iceland for a comment but did not receive a response.